Beethoven, Ludwig van.

first edition, corrected issue, of the "Eroica" Symphony, complete parts for 2 violins, violas, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 3 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and basso, 4to (c.34 x 25cms), engraved throughout, plate number 512, price erased on title, composer's preface (see below), original stitching, good margins, watermarks "P A M", "V" and a shield



 

Hoboken 261 (and plate 9); Kinsky/Halm p.129-130: Fuld, p.554 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Very Rare. We have no record of the first edition of the "Eroica" Symphony appearing at auction. There is no complete copy in Britain.

The autograph manuscript of the "Eroica" is lost.

The Third Symphony was originally published only as a set of orchestral playing parts. Printed full scores were only issued later: an authorized edition only in 1822. .

Beethoven's Third Symphony (the "Eroica") is one of his greatest works: it was with this that Beethoven changed the nature of the symphony forever.  The first movement alone is the length of most entire symphonies by Haydn and Mozart.  Hence Beethoven's preface to this edition, advising placing the work near the beginning of a concert rather then near the end.

...Questa Sinfonia essendo scritta apposta più lunga delle solite, si deve eseguire più vicino al prinpcio ch' al fine di un Academia e poco doppo un Overtura un' Aria ed un Concerto; accioche, sentita troppo tardi, non perda per l'auditore già faticato dalle precedenti produzioni, il suo proprio proposto effetto...

Beethoven originally intended to dedicate the work to Napoleon, whose republican ideals he espoused--he even titled the work "Bonaparte" at one stage.  Ries describes how the composer mutilated his autograph title-page bearing the dedication, but an echo of it can be found in the present title to the work, which Beethoven describes as having been "composed to celebrate the memory of a great Man".  

First editions of the parts of Beethoven's symphonies are rarely offered for sale and are usually found incomplete.  They invariably include historically-important mistakes.  On this issue corrections have been made on the plates to the end of the exposition of the first movement (bars 151-152), which were originally repeated.